History of Kissimmee
Osceola County, Florida
1922
Source: "Kissimmee - St. Cloud, Florida City Directory and Osceola County Gazetteer," 1921-1922
"Favored by Nature"
Kissimmee is a beautiful modern city lying in the south-central section of Florida. It is the county seat of Osceola County, one of the most prosperous farming sections of Florida. In 1912 Kissimmee had a population of only 4,000 people; now it has well above 5,000. The growth has been consistent each year and the development of this natively rich section indicates that Kissimmee, already the metropolis of a considerable expanse of country, will eventually become one of the big central points of the state of Florida.
This is a shipping center for produce. Besides excellent boat facilities, there area three railroads entering this city. It is on the main line of the Atlantic Coast Line Railroad, which connects the two important cities of Jacksonville and Tampa.
A City With Everything
The City slogan of Kissimmee is: "Favored by Nature; Developed by Nerve." The City certainly is favored by nature and the development of a modern city in such a short space of time has been due not alone to nerve but to the enterprise of its hustling business men. Like a successful base ball pitcher, Kissimmee "has everything."
It has a live, energetic Chamber of Commerce, it has a high school and educational system, sources of pride to every citizen and as good as can be found in Florida; it has six churches, all of different denominations, and each owning a beautiful edifice; it has fine tourist and commercial hotels; it has six fraternal lodge organizations; and an ice and cold storage plant.
Kissimmee has waterworks and sewerage system owned by the municipality. There are two artesian wells, each of a depth of nearly 500 feet, giving a dependable supply. The City has a modern force of fire-fighters and fire equipment.
A beautiful boulevard forms the main business thoroughfare of Kissimmee. It is paved with vitrified brick and shaded with towering oaks festooned with Spanish moss. Down the center of this street, which is known as Broadway, runs a broad parkway with a green carpet of luxuriant grasses, dotted with shrubs, palms and shade trees.
There are two excellent theatres in the city. Good theatrical talent is booked and the very best in moving pictures is shown.
The new Country Club ranks as among the most attractive in the state, costing nearly $20,000. It is on a conspicuous site overlooking beautiful Lake Tohopekaliga, and its attractive grounds include both golf links and tennis courts, with numerous delightful drives and walks.
Chamber of Commerce
Kissimmee, Fla.
Transcribed and donated by Lisa Slaski, a member of the Genealogy Club of Osceola County, 2006
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